Soluble highly reactive form of calcium and reagents thereof

ABSTRACT

A soluble highly reactive form of calcium, prepared from Ca(II) salts and a reducing agent in ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvents, is presented. This form of calcium can be used in the preparation of organocalcium reagents. The organocalcium reagents resulting from the reaction of the soluble highly reactive calcium with organic compounds containing either halide, cyanide, a 1,3-diene, or a polyunsaturated functionality, are stable, useful reagents for organic synthesis. The organocalcium halide reagents undergo Grignard-type reactions. They also undergo reactions with Cu(I) salts to form organocalcium cuprate reagents. The organocalcium cuprate reagents undergo a variety of cross-coupling reactions. The soluble highly reactive calcium reacts with 1,3-dienes to yield the corresponding 2-butene-1,4-diylcalcium complexes. These bis-organocalcium reagents can undergo dialkylation reactions with α,ω-alkylene dihalides and dichlorosilanes to form the corresponding 3-, 5-, and 6-membered ring derivatives. The soluble highly reactive calcium also reacts with organic dihalides to form mono- or diorganocalcium compounds which can be converted into a wide variety of polymers.

The present invention was made with Government support under Contract No. GM35153 awarded by the National Institute of Health. The Government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Organocalcium reagents are highly desirable reagents for organic synthesis. They possess man, attributes that are distinct from organomagnesium and other organometallic reagents. For example, they often react stereoselectively and regioselectively. Furthermore, they do not possess the extreme nucleophilicity of such reagents as Grignard reagents. Consequently, organocalcium reagents can generate distinctly different chemistry from that of other organometallic reagents.

The development of organocalcium chemistry has been slow with respect to extensive studies of organometallic reagents of other light metals, such as magnesium. The neglect of organocalcium chemistry has been due, at least in part, to the lack of a facile method of preparing the organocalcium compounds. Furthermore, the few dialkyls and alkyl halides of calcium studied in the early to mid-1900's proved to be thermally unstable, generally insoluble, and difficult to manipulate.

Another impediment to the development of organocalcium chemistry has been the expectation that calcium and organocalcium compounds should parallel that of their magnesium analogs. In fact, calcium is known to more closely resemble sodium rather than magnesium in its chemical reactivity, although calcium is somewhat less reactive than sodium. For example, unlike magnesium but much like sodium, calcium is known to be an excellent reducing agent. Furthermore, unlike magnesium, calcium is soluble in liquid ammonia giving a blue solution similar to the solutions of the Group I metals, which are believed to be solvated metal ions and electrons.

Although there is little known about organocalcium compounds, direct oxidative addition of organic substrates to bulk calcium metal, suspended in a suitable solvent, has traditionally been the method of forming organocalcium compounds. This has been limited, however, by the reduced reactivity of the bulk calcium metal. Although it is not entirely clear, this is presumably due to surface poisoning factors.

Thus, developments in the production of organocalcium compounds have centered around activating the bulk calcium metal. Typically, this has involved alloying of the bulk metal, the addition of activating agents to a reaction mixture, or the use of highly purified bulk metal. For example, Ca amalgam or Ca-Mg alloys have been used to activate the Ca metal to oxidative addition reactions. Iodine has also been used as an activating agent in a reaction mixture.

Although there are several procedures known for the reduction of metal salts to metal powders reactive towards oxidative addition, each metal typically requires unique permutations of the procedures to obtain a reactive species. That is, there is no standardized approach that can produce metal powders of identical, or even similar, reactivity. For example, magnesium metal in the form of a black powder can be obtained by reducing magnesium salts in an ethereal solvent with molten sodium or potassium; however, the use of an alkali metal in conjunction with an electron carrier such as naphthalene can produce magnesium powder of even greater reactivity. These procedures can produce finely divided highly reactive metal powders; however, these procedures are not standardized or generalized.

The organocalcium derivatives RCaX are typically most readily formed when X=I; however, the preparation of RCaX (X=Br, Cl) usually requires activated calcium. Even with activated, or highly pure calcium, few examples of organocalcium halides, or other organocalcium reagents, have actually been prepared. Typically, of the reagents prepared, the overall yields are generally low. Although simple primary and secondary alkyl iodides have been shown to react with highly pure calcium, i.e., Ca containing less than 0.5% Mg and 0.002% Na, in reasonable yields, the tertiary alkyliodocalcium compounds have proven to be very difficult to prepare. In fact, most tertiary alkyls are generally formed in only trace amounts.

Therefore, an object of the invention is to produce a calcium species that is more reactive than those obtained from traditional methods. Another object of the invention is to produce a calcium species that is soluble and highly reactive towards oxidative addition. Yet another object of the invention is the direct production of a wide variety of organocalcium compounds, e.g., aryl and alkyl calcium compounds, particularly tertiary alkyl calcium compounds. Furthermore, an object of the invention is the synthesis of new organic compounds or the synthesis of known organic compounds using more effective and/or more direct synthetic methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects are achieved by the present invention which is directed to the use of a soluble highly reactive calcium species to form new organocalcium reagents and to synthetic reactions performed with these organocalcium reagents. As used herein, the phrase "highly reactive" refers to the reactivity of the calcium species in organic reactions, particularly oxidative addition reactions. A calcium species is highly reactive if it reacts with a wide variety of primary, secondary, and particularly tertiary alkyl halides in relatively high yields, for example in greater than about 50% yields, preferably in greater than about 70% yields.

The soluble highly reactive calcium species is composed of formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms in combination or complexation with a solubilizing agent in an ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvent. The solubilizing agent can be any of a variety of macrocyclic polyethers, cryptates, or polyenes capable of interacting with the formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms in such a manner that a less reactive finely divided powder does not substantially precipitate out of solution. Preferably, the solubilizing agent is a polyene. More preferably, the solubilizing agent is an aromatic polyene, i.e., an arene or polyarylene, such as an aromatic electron-transfer compound. Examples of aromatic electron-transfer compounds include biphenyl, naphthalene, and anthracene. The soluble highly reactive calcium species can also be in combination with an alkali metal salt.

The soluble highly reactive calcium species is formed from the reduction of a calcium(II) salt, preferably a soluble calcium(II) salt, the counterion of which can be any of a variety of anions without an acidic proton. For example, the anion can be a sulfate nitrate, nitrite, cyanide, or halide. Preferably, the anion is a cyanide or a halide, and most preferably a halide. Of the halides, the most effective counterion is a bromide or iodide.

The solubilizing agent is from a solubilized reducing agent that is capable of reducing calcium(II) salts in an ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvent. A reducing agent with a reduction potential of about -1.5 volts or more negative is acceptable. Preferably, the reducing agent has a reduction potential of about -1.8 volts or more negative, and most preferably about -2.0 volts or more negative. Examples of such reducing agents include alkali metal salts of aromatic anions. Examples of preferred reducing agents include sodium, potassium, cesium, or lithium naphthalenide, biphenylide, or anthracenide. Other examples of preferred reducing agents include alkali metal-polyether solvates, alkali metal-crown ether solvates, alkali metal-cryptate solvates, etc.

Typically, the reduction of the calcium(II) salt is carried out in an ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvent. These include, but are not limited to, ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, glyme, diglyme, triglyme, benzene, and the like. If a hydrocarbon solvent is used, it preferably contains a secondary solubilizing agent such as N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) to assist in solubilizing the starting materials and product, but particularly the starting materials. Preferably, the reaction is carried out in an ethereal or polyethereal solvent. More preferably, it is carried out in tetrahydrofuran (THF).

The organocalcium reagents of the present invention are prepared from the soluble highly reactive calcium species produced as described above and an organic compound. The organic radical of the organocalcium reagent can be an aliphatic, aryl, arylalkyl, heterocyclic or polymeric group. The aliphatic, aryl, arylalkyl or polymeric group of this reagent may optionally be functionalized with such groups as allyls or ethers.

The organocalcium reagent can also contain one or more halide groups (herein referred to as organocalcium halides). However, this is not necessarily a requirement for the use of organocalcium reagents in organic synthesis. For example, if the organic compound reactant contains a 1,3-diene functionality or other conjugated polyunsaturated functionality, no halide is generally present. Thus, the organocalcium reagent does not necessarily contain a halide group.

In the context of this invention, the term "aliphatic" means a saturated or unsaturated linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon radical. The term "alkyl" means a saturated linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon radical. The term "heterocyclic" means a mono- or polynuclear cyclic radical containing carbons and one or more heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur or a combination thereof in the ring or rings, including but not limited to pyridine, pyrrole, indole, thiazole, pyrazine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, adenine uredine, uracil, oxazole, pyrazole, hydantoin, piperazine, quinoline, xanthene, 1,10-phenanthroline, and acridine. The term "aryl" means a mono-or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon radical. The term "arylalkyl" means a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl hydrocarbon radical having a mono- or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon or heterocyclic substituent.

The term "polymeric" or "polymer" is used herein in its most general sense to mean a compound consisting essentially of repeating structural units. It refers to inorganic polymers such as silica and alumina. It also refers to organic polymers such as polyolefins, polystyrenes, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyethers, etc.

The organocalcium reagents of the present invention can be used in a variety of organic synthetic reactions. For example, the organocalcium halide reagents react in a Grignard-type fashion to form alcohols from aldehydes and ketones. They also react with copper(I) salts to form organocalcium cuprates, which can further react with enones and acid chlorides. Organocalcium dihalides can be used in the preparation of novel polymeric materials, such as two-dimensional linear polymers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is based upon the discovery that a highly reactive soluble calcium metal species displays surprising and unexpected reactivity and usefulness in organic synthetic procedures. For example, the highly reactive soluble calcium species displays surprising and unexpected reactivity toward a wide variety of aliphatic, aryl, heterocyclic, arylalkyl and polymeric compounds, particularly compounds containing one or more halide atoms (hereinafter organic halides), or compounds containing a 1,3-diene functionality or conjugated polyunsaturation.

The Calcium Species

The soluble highly reactive calcium species is composed of formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms in combination or complexation with a solubilizing agent. By "formally zerovalent" it is meant that the formal oxidation state, or charge, is equal to the group number (i.e., 2) minus the number of unshared electrons (i.e., 2) minus the number of bonds (i.e., 0).

The solubilizing agent that is in combination or complexation with the formally zerovalent calcium species of the present invention preferably comes from a corresponding solubilized reducing agent that is capable of reducing Ca(II) salts in an ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvent. The solubilizing agent can be any of a variety of macrocyclic polyethers, cryptates, or polyenes, and the like, capable of interacting with the formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms in such a manner that a less reactive finely divided powder does not precipitate out of solution to any significant extent. By this it is meant that the formally zerovalent calcium species of the present invention is substantially completely soluble in a ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvent with only about 20% or less of the calcium species in a solid state, i.e., a state without any significant interaction with the solubilizing agent.

Preferably, the solubilizing agent is a polyene. More preferably, the solubilizing agent is an aromatic polyene, i.e., an arene or polyarylene, such as an aromatic electron-transfer compound. Examples of aromatic electron-transfer compounds include but are not limited to, biphenyl, naphthalene, and anthracene. Compounds such as these are typically capable of transferring electrons in an oxidation reduction reaction through the formation of radical anions.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the highly reactive calcium species of the present invention is composed of zerovalent calcium metal atoms in combination or complexation with one or more of the arenes naphthalene, anthracene, or biphenyl. More preferably, the highly reactive calcium species of the present invention is composed of zerovalent calcium metal atoms in combination or complexation with the arene biphenyl.

The highly reactive calcium species of the present invention, whether in a mixture or complex, is soluble in ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvents. These include, but are not limited to, ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, glyme, diglyme, triglyme, benzene, and the like. If a hydrocarbon solvent is used, it preferably contains a secondary solubilizing agent such as N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, or other diamine or bidentate ligand capable of solubilizing the starting materials and product, particularly the starting materials.

The soluble highly reactive calcium species can also be in combination with an alkali metal salt wherein the anion does not contain an acidic proton. The alkali metal of the salt can be Li, Na, K, Rb, or Cs. Preferably, it is Li, Na, or K, and most preferably it is Li. The anion can be, but is not limited to, a nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, cyanide, and/or halide. Preferably, the anion is a halide or cyanide. More preferably, the anion is a halide. Most preferably, the anion is bromide or iodide.

The most specific and preferred embodiment of the soluble highly reactive calcium species of the present invention is composed of zerovalent calcium metal atoms in combination with, or complexed with, biphenyl and a lithium halide. The solvent used to solubilize the most preferred embodiment of the calcium species is tetrahydrofuran (THF).

The soluble highly reactive calcium species of the present invention is prepared from the reduction of a calcium(II) salt, the counterion of which can be any of a variety of anions that does not contain an acidic proton. For example, the anion can be a sulfate, nitrate, nitrite, cyanide, or halide. Preferably, the anion is a cyanide or a halide. More preferably, the anion is F, Cl, Br, or I. Most preferably the anion of the Ca(II) salt is Br or I.

Generally, the reducing agent can be any solubilized reducing agent that is capable of reducing Ca(II) salts in an ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvent. Any reducing agent having a reduction potential of about -1.5 volts or more negative will satisfy this relation. It is preferred, however, if the reducing agent has a reduction potential of about -1.8 volts or more negative, and most preferred if the reducing agent has a reduction potential of about -2.0 volts or more negative. Preferably, the reduction takes place in an ethereal or polyethereal solvent, and more preferably in tetrahydrofuran.

Examples of suitable solubilized reducing agents include alkali metal salts of aromatic anions, such salts being, for instance, sodium or lithium naphthalenide, anthracenide, or biphenylide; alkali metal-polyether solvates; alkali metal-crown ether solvates; alkali metal-cryptate solvates, etc. Preferably, the reducing agent is an alkali metal arene salt. More preferably, the reducing agent is a combination of an alkali metal cation and an anion of an aromatic electron transfer compound, such as biphenyl, anthracene, or naphthalene. Most preferably, the reducing agent is preformed. Of the preformed alkali metal arene salts, the most preferred is lithium biphenylide.

By "preformed" it is meant that the alkali metal and about 1-1.2 equivalents of the arene are allowed to react substantially completely, i.e., until substantially all the alkali metal is consumed, before contacting any calcium salts. The formation of the preformed reducing agent typically takes place in an ethereal, polyetheral, or hydrocarbon solvent, and generally is substantially complete in about 2 hours.

Because the soluble highly reactive calcium species is preferably utilized within a short period of time after its preparation, it can also contain the alkali metal salt produced from the cation of the aromatic reducing agent and the anion of the calcium salt starting material. Generally, the alkali metal salt is not believed to effect the reactivity of the soluble highly reactive calcium; however, it may facilitate the reactivity of the organic compounds, particularly the oxidative addition reaction with the organic halides.

The process for reduction to produce the soluble highly reactive calcium species of the present invention is conducted under conditions designed to prevent its reoxidation and substantial precipitation as calcium powder. Generally, these conditions include use of ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvents and the exclusion of oxygen. Also, the conditions are controlled so as to promote the existence of the calcium atoms as small soluble clusters and to avoid their agglomeration into larger configurations that could precipitate out of solution. Larger clusters of metal atoms generally means lower solubility and lower reactivity.

Preferably, these conditions include temperatures of about 100° C. or less, an inert atmosphere, e.g., an argon or nitrogen atmosphere, a reaction time of about 1 hour, and an ether or polyether solvent such as diethyl ether, dimethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran and the like, or a hydrocarbon solvent. The Ca(II) salt can be soluble in the solvent of the reaction, or it can be a suspension therein. The Ca(II) salt is preferably soluble in the solvent at room temperature, as is the resultant soluble highly reactive calcium species. The reduction can as well be conducted in a hydrocarbon solvent with N, N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) to solubilize or disperse the starting material complex and reducing agent. Typically, the molar ratio of the reducing agent to the Ca(II) salt is about 2:1 for an equivalent amount; however, the Ca(II) salt can be in excess. Preferably, the Ca(II) salt is present in an amount of about 1.1-2.0 equivalents, and more preferably in an amount of about 1.5-2.0 equivalents, per equivalent of reducing agent. Excess Ca(II) salt is used to ensure there is little or no reducing agent present to interfere with subsequent reactions, particularly if the highly reactive calcium species is used without isolation.

Although the soluble calcium species can be maintained for a time under these conditions, it is also quite reactive. Consequently, it is preferably synthesized and used immediately or within a very short period of time. However, it can be stored for several days and much longer at lower temperatures under an inert atmosphere.

The formal oxidation state of the calcium metal in the preferred highly reactive calcium species is considered to be zero; however, it is believed that the calcium arene, e.g., calcium biphenyl complex, has considerable charge transfer between the calcium and the arene. Thus, the calcium species can exist as a tight ion pair, or as a complex with significant charge transfer, between the calcium atoms and the anion. In contrast, it is believed that in solvents such as liquid ammonia, the Ca(II) ions are uninvolved ions in any reaction. With the soluble highly reactive calcium complex of the present invention, however, it is believed that the calcium ions are tightly bound and play an intimate role in the electron transfer process.

Notwithstanding these theoretical considerations, the soluble calcium species of this invention will react with organic halides and 1,3-diene compounds, for example, to produce selectively reactive organocalcium compounds. The organocalcium species undergo a variety of reactions to produce both novel organic compounds and novel synthetic methods for known organic compounds.

The Organocalcium Reagents

The soluble highly reactive calcium species of the present invention reacts readily with a wide variety of substrates to generate excellent yields of organocalcium reagents, which can be used to produce unique organic compounds or known organic compounds from unique synthetic routes. Generally, the organocalcium reagents of this invention are composed of an aliphatic, aryl, heterocyclic, arylalkyl or polymeric organic radical in combination with calcium atoms derived from the foregoing soluble highly reactive calcium species. These organocalcium compounds can be monomeric or polymeric.

Preferably, the organocalcium reagents of this invention are mixtures or combinations of the organocalcium compounds and alkali metal salts. With respect to these mixtures or combinations it is believer the calcium moiety or moieties of the organocalcium compounds associate in some manner with alkali metal salts present to form the organocalcium reagent. It is further believed that this association is in part responsible for the novel and selective reactivity of certain of the organocalcium reagents of this invention, although this is not intended to be limiting.

The organocalcium reagents are produced by reaction of the highly reactive calcium species, prepared as described above, with an aliphatic, aryl, heterocyclic, arylalkyl, or polymeric compound. Preferably, these organic starting materials have one or more halide groups. If the aliphatic, aryl, arylalkyl, heterocyclic, or polymeric compound contains a 1,3-diene or polyunsaturation functionality, no halide is generally required for reactivity.

The reactions are generally conducted under conditions designed to preserve the integrity of the organocalcium reagents, those conditions include, for example, the exclusion of water and oxygen. Preferably the reactions are carried out in an ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvent. More preferably, the are carried out in an ethereal or polyethereal solvent. Most preferably they are carried out in tetrahydrofuran (THF).

Preferably, the conditions also include temperatures of less than about 100° C. Alkyl halides typically react with the soluble highly reactive calcium at temperatures between about -140° C. and about 100° C., preferably between about -80° C. and about 35° C. Aryl halides react with the soluble highly reactive calcium at temperatures between about -80° C. and about 100° C., preferably between about -30° C. and about 30° C. Organic compounds containing a 1,3-diene functionality react with the soluble highly reactive calcium at temperatures between about -140° C. and about 100° C., preferably between about -30° C. and about 30° C. Typical yields of the organocalcium reagents are greater than about 50%, and preferably greater than about 70%. In some instances the organocalcium reagents can be produced in nearly quantitative yields.

The organocalcium reagents are typically prepared in the same medium used to produce the highly reactive calcium species. The highly reactive calcium species is preferably present in an equimolar ratio with the organic compound, i.e., about 1 mole calcium to 1 mole reactive organic compound. More preferably, the calcium is present in an excess amount, e.g., about 1.1-2.0 moles calcium to 1 mole reactive organic compound.

Generally, the organic group of the organocalcium reagent can be any saturated, olefinically unsaturated or aromatic hydrocarbon or a heterocycle containing carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorous or combinations thereof in the heteronucleus. Examples of organic compounds that react with the highly reactive calcium species of the present invention include, but are not limited to, 1-bromooctane, 1-chlorooctane, 1-bromo-3-phenoxypropane, 1-bromo-5-phenoxypentane, bromocyclohexane, 1-bromoadamantane, m-bromotoluene, m-bromoanisole, p-chlorotoluene, fluorobenzene, 1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,4-dibromobenzene, and 2,5-dibromothiophene.

The molecular size of the organocalcium reagents can range from organic compounds and monomers, typically having from 1 to about 300 carbons, to polymeric compounds having molecular weights up to and including the million range. Preferred aliphatic, aryl, heterocyclic, and arylalkyl groups include linear or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl, allyl, vinyl, phenyl, benzyl, pyridyl, quinolinyl, piperadinyl, cytosinyl, uracinyl, guaninyl, adenosinyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, the methylenyl derivatives of such heterocycles and phenyl alkyl groups as well as the hydrocarbon substituted and/or functionalized forms thereof. The hydrocarbon substituents can be one or more of such groups as alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclic, olefinic and aromatic groups as well as combinations thereof, each substituent having from 1 to about 30 carbons. The hydrocarbons ran be optionally functionalized with such groups as allyls, ethers, esters, nitriles, amides, and ketones.

Although the organocalcium reagents can be functionalized as outlined above with groups such as allyls, ethers, esters, nitriles, amides, and ketones, they will maintain a stable state and will typically not self-react to a significant extent as long as they are maintained within the appropriate low temperature range. At higher temperatures, however, the organocalcium species can self-react, but if they are modified by reaction with Cu(I) salts to yield derivatives of organocalcium reagents, i.e., organocalcium cuprates as discussed below, synthetic chemistry can be carried out with the more highly functionalized organocalcium species.

Reactivity of the Organocalcium Reagents

In general, the organocalcium reagents undergo coupling reactions with organic electrophiles, i.e., compounds that are deficient in electrons, such as acid chlorides, ketones, aldehydes, nitriles, esters, amides, α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, epoxides, and the like. Specific illustrations of the novel utility of the soluble highly reactive calcium species of the present invention and the organocalcium reagents produced from the soluble highly reactive calcium are described below. In certain situations the organocalcium reagents can also react with copper(I) salts to produce organocalcium reagents containing copper atoms, herein referred to as organocalcium cuprate reagents, which possess unique reactivity patterns.

Generally, the coupling reactions between the organocalcium reagent and the organic electrophile are typically conducted in the same medium used to produce the organocalcium reagent. The reaction is conducted under conditions designed to favor the production of the desired coupled product. Those conditions generally include low temperature, use of appropriate electrophiles, addition of the electrophile to the organocalcium reagent and stirring with appropriate reaction times. One or more of these conditions will be appropriate for use in particular instances. Choice of some or all of them is within the ordinary artisan's skill.

Preferably, the reactions are carried out in an ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvent such as ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, glyme, diglyme, triglyme, benzene, and the like. If a hydrocarbon solvent is used, it preferably contains a secondary solubilizing agent such as N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, or the like. More preferably, the reactions are carried out in an ethereal or polyethereal solvent. Highly solvating solvents, such as THF, glyme, diglyme, and triglyme, facilitate the oxidative addition reactions with the organic halides and facilitate complex formation with 1,3-dienes.

Residual alkali metal halide, e.g., lithium halide, is preferably present in the reaction mixture of the electrophiles and the organocalcium reagents. Although not intended to be limited by any theory, it is believed that the excess alkali metal halide facilitates electron transfer to the organic halide and 1,3-dienes in some manner.

The reagents and reactions of this invention are useful in the organic synthesis of organic compounds that are difficult or impossible to prepare by other techniques. In particular, the facility to react aryl chlorides and fluorides at low temperatures, the ability to prepare tertiary organocalcium reagents, and the ability to modify the chemical reactivity by formation of a calcium cuprate, are all useful for designing organic synthetic procedures. As a result, these unique capabilities promote the use of the reagents and reactions of this invention in the organic synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, insecticides, herbicides, polymeric compounds, organic additives for polymer compositions, organic conductors, and organic information storage devices. Specific examples include the syntheses of two-dimensional polymers, prostaglandins, penicillins, tranquilizers, and carbocyclic anticancer agents. These syntheses are made more efficient, are economically feasible, and, in several cases, represent the only route possible. They open the synthetic and investigatory arenas to the development and use of rare or previously unavailable organic compounds.

Grignard-Type Reactions with Highly Reactive Calcium

As stated above, the highly reactive calcium species of the present invention reacts readily with a wide variety of substrates to generate excellent yields of organocalcium reagents, which can be used in a wide variety of synthetic preparations. For example, the organocalcium reagents, prepared directly from the soluble highly reactive calcium species and organic halides, efficiently undergo Grignard-type reactions. Example 2 and Table I summarize some specific examples of 1,2-addition reactions with cyclohexanone utilizing the soluble highly reactive calcium species of the present invention.

Traditional Grignard reactions involve the 1,2-addition of RMgX to aldehydes to form alcohols. Prior to the present developments with the soluble highly reactive calcium species, the preparation of RCaX reagents, i.e., organocalcium halides, has been limited. Thus, the development of synthetic procedures, such as Grignard-type reactions, has been limited. The present RCaX reagents undergo 1,2-addition reactions to the carbonyl groups of aldehydes and ketones, for example, under typical Grignard reaction conditions, to form alcohols in yields greater than about 50%, preferably greater than about 70%.

Any of the organocalcium halide reagents, containing one or more halide atoms, discussed above can be used in Grignard-type 1,2-addition reactions. Furthermore, any of a variety of aldehyde, ketones, esters, amides, and nitriles can be used effectively in the 1,2-addition reactions.

Significantly, the organocalcium halide reagents of the present invention can be used to prepare tertiary organocalcium reagents. For example, the Grignard-type reaction for 1-bromoadamantane utilizing the soluble highly reactive calcium affords 1-(1-adamantyl)cyclohexanol in 80% yield. The direct reaction of 1-bromoadamantane with metals is well known to yield mainly reductive cleavage or dimerization. Accordingly, this method represents a significant new approach to the preparation of 1-metalloadamantane. More importantly, use of the active calcium represents a general route to tertiary organocalcium reagents.

The Grignard-type reactions are carried out under conditions designed to produce high yields, i.e., yields greater than about 50%, and preferably greater than about 70%, of the resultant alcohols. These conditions include the exclusion of oxygen and temperatures of less than about 100° C., preferably between about -140° C. and about 100° C., and more preferably between about -80° C. and about 100° C.

Preparation and Reactions of Organocalcium Cuprate Reagents

While a wide spectrum of different metal cuprates are known, calcium cuprates are not generally known. Addition of copper(I) salts to the organocalcium reagents described above result in new organocalcium cuprate complexes of unique and different chemical reactivity. The organocalcium cuprate complexes are composed of a mixture or combination of an aliphatic, aryl, heterocyclic, arylalkyl or polymeric calcium cuprate and alkali metal salts. The alkali metal salts are from the copper(I) salt, which is preferably a thienyl cyanide, cyanide, or halide. More preferably, it is a thienyl cyanide or a cyanide.

The copper(I) salts that are reactive with the organocalcium reagents of the present invention are preferably soluble copper(I) salts in an ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvent. They include, but are not limited to, CuCN.2LiBr, CuI, CuBr, CuCl, CuF, lithium thienylcyanocuprate, or other Cu(I) salts with nonprotic anions. Preferably, the Cu(I) salt is CuCN.2LiBr or lithium thienylcyanocuprate.

The reaction conditions used for the formation of the organocalcium cuprate reagents are those typically designed to preserve the integrity of the organocalcium cuprate reagents. These conditions include the exclusion of water and oxygen, temperatures of less than about 100° C., preferably between about -140° C. and about 100° C., and more preferably between about -80° C. and about 30° C. The copper is usually added in an equimolar amount relative to the organocalcium reagent, but can be added in an excess amount. The formation of the calcium cuprate reagents is typically carried out in the same medium used to produce the organocalcium reagent.

Reaction of the organocalcium reagent prepared from an organic halide and the highly reactive calcium, with acid chlorides in the absence of a Cu(I) salt, typically afford complex mixtures of products. However, in the presence of a Cu(I) salt, high yields, i.e., greater than about 50% and often greater than about 70%, of ketone formation are observed. Example 3 and Table II presents some specific examples of the ketone formation reactions of the calcium cuprates with benzoyl chloride.

The reaction conditions for the ketone formation reactions include temperatures of less than about 100° C., preferably between about -140° C. and about 100° C., more preferably between about -80° C. and about 30° C., and the absence of oxygen or protic solvents.

These calcium cuprate compounds also undergo the conjugate 1,4-addition reactions with α,β-unsaturated species. Example 4 and Table III presents some specific examples of conjugate 1,4-addition reactions with α,β-unsaturated ketones, utilizing these calcium cuprates.

The α,β-unsaturated species that undergo the 1,4-addition reactions can be any of a variety α,β-unsaturated species. For example, they can be α,β-unsaturated ketones, aldehydes, esters, and amides. They can be acyclic, aryl, and even sterically hindered. If they are sterically hindered, i.e., if any group in the molecule hinders attack of the β-position, it is preferred that the reaction mixture contains BF₃ etherate and chlorotrimethylsilane, (TMSCl). These reagents perform the function of activation of the α,β-unsaturated system. Other useful reagents such as this include alkyl and phosphines.

Typically, the product yields of the 1,4-addition reactions using the organocalcium cuprate reagents are greater than about 40%, and preferably greater than about 70%. The reaction conditions for the 1,4-addition reactions include temperatures of less than about 100° C., preferably between about -140° C. and about 100° C., more preferably between about -80° C. and about 30° C., and the absence of oxygen.

Preparation and Reactions of Calcium Metallocycle

Calcium complexes of 1,3-dienes can be prepared by reaction of the highly reactive calcium with a wide variety of 1,3-dienes, such as 1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,3-butadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, or any mono-, di-, tri-, or tetra-substituted 1,3 diene to form 2-butene-1,4-diylcalcium reagents. Preferably, the 1,3-dienes do not contain any functional groups that react with the active calcium preferentially to the 1,3-diene functionality. The resulting bis-organocalcium reagents readily undergo alkylation reactions with a variety of electrophiles, i.e., compounds that are deficient in electrons, in a highly regio- and stereospecific manner (Table IV).

The electrophiles include, but are not limited to, organodihalides, such as 1,3-dibromopropane, 1,4-dibromobutane, α,ω-alkylene dihalides, mono- and dihalosilanes, mono- and dihalostannanes, acid chlorides, esters, amides, nitriles, gem-dihalides, α,ω-alkyl halonitriles, and the like. The reactions with the electrophiles, such as the organodihalides, typically yield 4-, 5-, and 6-membered rings in yields greater than about 50%, and often greater than about 70% isolated yield. Preferably, and advantageously, the stereochemistry of these reactions is stereospecific.

This chemistry can also be extended to 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, which is a molecule which is much more difficult to reduce. Reaction of the resulting calcium complex with 1,3-dichloropropane and 1,4-dibromobutane produces the 5-membered ring product and 6-membered ring products in greater than about 50% yield.

The reaction conditions for production of calcium reagents with 1,3-dienes include temperatures of less than about 100° C., preferably between about -140° C. and about 100° C., and more preferably between about -80° C. and about 100° C. and the absence of oxygen. The subsequent reactions of these 2-butene-1,4-diylcalcium complexes include temperatures of less than about 100° C., preferably between about -140° C. and about 100° C., and more preferably between about -80° C. and about 100° C., and the absence of oxygen.

Preparation of Polymers From Soluble Highly Reactive Calcium

Significantly, the soluble highly reactive calcium species of the present invention reacts with organic halides substituted with more than one halide atom, such as dihalothiophenes and dihalobenzenes. Upon reaction with organodihalides, mono- or diorganocalcium compounds typically form which are capable of being converted into a wide variety of polymeric compounds.

It is also envisioned that the soluble highly reactive calcium species of the present invention will react with other dihaloarenes, such as 2,5-dichlorothiophene, 2,7-dibromo-9-fluorenone, 2,7-dibromofluorene, 2,5-dibromopyridine, 3,4-dibromothiophene, 4,4'-dibromobiphenyl, and 9,10-dibromoanthracene, Br--C₆ H₄ --CH₂ Br, Br--C₆ H₄ --CH₂ --C₆ H₄ --Br, and the like. Each of these organodihalides can optionally be functionalized with groups such as --CN, --CO₂ CH₂ CH₃, --OH. The dihaloarenes can also include heterocyclic arenes.

Preferably, the soluble highly reactive calcium species of the present invention reacts with dihalothiophene and dihalobenzene. As a specific example, it can react with 2,5-dibromothiophene and 1,4-dibromobenzene.

Furthermore, it is envisioned that the highly reactive calcium species of the present invention will react with trihaloarenes, such as 1,3,5-tribromobenzene, and the like.

The mono- and/or disubstituted organocalcium species formed can further react with electrophiles, such as those disclosed above, as well as numerous others, as for example teraphthaloyl chloride, to form unique polymeric materials. Preferably, the resultant polymers formed are two-dimensional linear polymers. However, both the monosubstituted and disubstituted organocalcium species formed should be capable of generating novel block polymers.

Typically, the formation of the polymers includes the use of a catalyst, such as NiCl₂ and low temperatures. These polymeric materials, especially two-dimensional linear polymers, have significant applicability in nonlinear optical materials, highly conductive materials, magnetic storage devices, etc.

The soluble highly reactive calcium of the present invention will also likely react with derivatives of C₆₀ and C₇₀ fullerenes. Both mono- and disubstituted calcium fullerenes are envisioned. These calcium derivatives will then cross couple with most, if not all, of the electrophiles discussed above. Furthermore, these calcium derivatives could be used to incorporate fullerenes into polymers and generate novel block copolymers. Examples would include copolymers of 2,5-thienylene/fullerene, phenylene/fullerene, and acetylene/fullerene.

Thus, the use of the highly reactive calcium species of the present invention should allow for the preparation of a wide variety of substituted fullerenes. These substituted fullerenes are envisioned to be of significant importance in biological applications, as nonlinear optical materials, highly conductive materials, magnetic storage devices, etc.

The invention will be further exemplified with respect to the various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. It should be understood, however, that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the scope of the invention.

Experimental Examples

Melting points were determined on a Thomas-Hoover melting point apparatus or on an Electrothermal™ melting point apparatus and are corrected. IR spectra were taken on an Analect™ RFX-30 Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. The spectra were taken of neat samples between NaCl or KBr plates or as KBr pressed pellets. ¹ H NMR spectra were recorded on a Nicolet™ NT-360 (360 MHz) or on a Varian™ VXR-200 (200 MHz) spectrometer. All chemical shifts are reported in parts per million (δ) downfield from internal tetramethylsilane. Fully decoupled ¹³ C NMR spectra and Distortionless Enhanced Polarization Transfer (DEPT) experiments were recorded on a Varian™ VXR-200 (50 MHz) spectrometer. The center peak of CDCl₃ (77.0 ppm) was used as the internal reference. Two-dimensional Correlation Spectroscopy (COSY) spectra were recorded on a Nicolet™ NT-360 (360 MHz) spectrometer. High resolution mass spectra were performed by the Midwest Center for Mass Spectrometry at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln using a Kratos™ MS-80 mass spectrometer. Elemental analyses were performed by Oneida Research Services, Inc., Whitesboro, N.Y. Gas chromatography analysis was done on a Hewlett-Packard™ 5890A chromatograph using stainless steel columns (12 ft×1/8 in) packed with OV-17 (3%) on 100/120 Chromosorb™ G-AW or SE-30 (5%) on 100/120 Chromosorb™ G-NAW (both of which are available from Supelco, Inc., Bellefonte, Pa.). Analytical thin-layer chromatography was performed using Merck™ 5735 (0.2 mm thickness) indicating plates (available from Whatman Ltd., Maidstone, Kent, England). Preparative thin-layer separations were performed using Anatech™ silica gel GF (1 or 2 mm thickness) preparative plates (available from Newark, Del.), or using Whatman™ PLKC 18F linear-K reversed phase (1 mm thickness) preparative plates (available from Whatman Ltd., Maidstone, Kent, England). Low-temperature reactions were performed utilizing a Neslab Endocal™ ULT-80 refrigerated circulating bath or utilizing dry ice/acetone baths. All manipulations were carried out on a dual manifold vacuum/argon system. The Linde™ prepurified grade argon was further purified by passing it through a 150° C. catalyst column (BASF™ R3-11), a phosphorous pentoxide column, and a column of granular potassium hydroxide. Lithium and naphthalene, byphenyl, or anthracene were weighed out and charged into reaction flasks under argon in a Vacuum Atmospheres Company dry box. Tetrahydrofuran was freshly distilled under argon from sodium/potassium alloy. Anhydrous calcium(II) iodide and calcium(II) bromide were purchased from Cerac, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis. Anhydrous calcium(II) chloride was purchased from Alfa Chemicals, Denver, Colo. 2,3-Dimethyl-1,3-butadiene was distilled prior to use. Other commercially available reagents were used as received unless specially noted.

EXAMPLE 1 Typical Procedure for Preparation of Highly Reactive Calcium

Lithium (9.0 mmol) and biphenyl (9.8 mmol) were stirred in freshly distilled THF (20 mL) under argon until the lithium was substantially completely consumed (approximately 2 hours). To a well-suspended solution of CaI₂ or CaBr₂ in freshly distilled THF (20 mL), the preformed lithium biphenylide was transferred via a cannula at room temperature. Typically, an approximate equivalent ratio of the calcium salt to the lithium biphenylide was used; i.e., 1 mole of the Ca(II) salt to 2 moles of the lithium biphenylide; however, when the resultant soluble highly reactive calcium was used in further reactions, an excess (1.5-2.0 equivalents) of the calcium salt was used in the preparation of the soluble highly reactive calcium. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature prior to use.

EXAMPLE 2 Formation of Organocalcium Reagents and Use in a Grignard-Type Reactions

The following experimental procedure is representative of the reactions set forth below in Table I. Highly reactive calcium (3.07 mmol), prepared from lithium biphenylide (6.15 mmol) and excess CaI₂ (4.91 mmol) in THF (30 mL), was cooled to -78° C. The color turned green upon cooling. An organocalcium reagent was prepared by adding p-chlorotoluene (324 mg, 2.56 mmol) to this mixture via a disposable syringe at -78° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to -20° C. It was stirred at -20° C. for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was then cooled to -35° C. A Grignard-type reaction was carried out by adding excess cyclohexanone (510 mg, 5.20 mmol) to the solution of the organocalcium reagent via a disposable syringe at -35° C. The resulting mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was again cooled to -35° C. Neutral H₂ O (distilled water, 20 mL) was added at -35° C. After being warmed to room temperature, the reaction mixture was filtered through a small pad of Celite™ filter agent (available from Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, Wis.) and was washed with Et₂ O (50 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with Et₂ O (3×30 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with H₂ O (15 mL), and dried over anhydrous MgSO₄. Removal of solvent and flash-column chromatography on silica gel (100 g, 230-400 mesh, available from EM Science; Gibbstown, N.J.) afforded 1-(p-methylphenyl)cyclohexanol (417 mg, 86% yield) as white crystals: mp 53°-55° C.; IR (KBr) 3419, 3030, 2935, 2843, 1514, 1446, 1392, 1134, 1036, 964, 810 cm¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.35-7.45 (m, 2 H), 7.10-7.20 (m, 2 H), 2.33 (s, 3 H), 1.55-1.85 (m, 11 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 146.5, 136.2, 128.9, 124.5, 72.9, 38.9, 25.5, 22.2, 20.9. Known compound: IR, see Sadtler 36367; ¹ H-NMR, see Sadtler 21529; ¹³ C-NMR, see Sadtler 5269.

                                      TABLE I                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Grignard-Type Reactions of Organocalcium Reagents                              with Cyclohexanone                                                             Entry                                                                              Halide    CaX.sub.2                                                                          Product.sup.a   % Yield.sup.b                                __________________________________________________________________________     1   Cl(CH.sub.2).sub.7 CH.sub.3                                                              CaI.sub.2                                                                          1-(CH.sub.2).sub.7 CH.sub.3 -1-OH-c-C.sub.6 H.sub.10                                           83                                           2   Br(CH.sub.2).sub.7 CH.sub.3                                                              CaI.sub.2                                                                          1-(CH.sub.2).sub.7 CH.sub.3 -1-OH-c-C.sub.6 H.sub.10                                           79                                           3   Br(CH.sub.2).sub.3 OPh                                                                   CaBr.sub.2                                                                         1-(CH.sub.2).sub.3 OPh-1-OH-c-C.sub.6 H.sub.10                                                 75                                           4   Br-c-C.sub.6 H.sub.11                                                                    CaBr.sub.2                                                                         1-c-C.sub.6 H.sub.11 -1-OH-c-C.sub.6 H.sub.10                                                  75                                                ##STR1## CaBr.sub.2                                                                          ##STR2##       80                                           6   BrC.sub.6 H.sub.4 (m-CH.sub.3)                                                           CaI.sub.2                                                                          1-C.sub.6 H.sub.4 (m-CH.sub.3)-1-OH-c-C.sub.6 H.sub.10                                         76                                           7   ClC.sub.6 H.sub.4 (p-CH.sub.3)                                                           CaI.sub.2                                                                          1-C.sub.6 H.sub.4 (p-CH.sub.3)-1-OH-c-C.sub.6 H.sub.10                                         86                                           8   FPh       CaI.sub.2                                                                          1-Ph-1-OH-c-C.sub.6 H.sub.10                                                                   85                                           9   BrC.sub.6 H.sub.4 (m-OCH.sub.3)                                                          CaBr.sub.2                                                                         1-C.sub.6 H.sub. 4 (m-OCH.sub.3)-1-OH-c-C.sub.6                                H.sub.10        79                                           __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.a All new substances have satisfactory spectroscopic data including       IR, .sup.1 H NMR, .sup.13 C NMR, and highresolution mass spectral data, a      presented below.                                                               .sup.b Isolated yields.                                                  

Alkyl halides, particularly alkyl bromides and alkyl chlorides, rapidly reacted with the calcium species of the present invention at temperatures as low as -78° C. As shown in Table I, 1-bromooctane and 1-bromo-3-phenoxypropane reacted with the calcium species at -78° C. to form the corresponding alkylbromocalcium reagents, which underwent Grignard-type reactions with cyclohexanone to produce the tertiary alcohols in 79% and 75% yields, respectively. Oxidative addition of alkyl chlorides to this soluble calcium species was also very efficient at low temperature (-78° C.). 1-Chlorooctane gave 1-octylcyclohexanol in 83% yield. Similar results were noted for the secondary halides. Bromocyclohexane reacted readily with the calcium species at -78° C. and the resulting organocalcium reagent underwent carbonyl addition to give the alcohol in 75% yield.

Significantly, the highly reactive calcium species reacted rapidly with tertiary bromides at -78° C. For example, the Grignard-type reaction for 1-bromoadamantane utilizing the reactive calcium afforded 1-(1-adamantyl)cyclohexanol in 80% yield. The direct reaction of 1-bromoadamantane with metals is well known to yield mainly reductive cleavage or dimerization. Accordingly, this method represents a significant new approach to the 1-metalloadamantane.

Reactions of aryl halides with reactive calcium required slightly higher temperatures, up to -30° C. for aryl bromides and up to -20° C. for aryl chlorides. The aryl calcium compounds are very stable at room temperature. Reactions of m-bromotoluene, m-bromoanisole, and p-chlorotoluene with the soluble highly reactive calcium complex gave the corresponding arylcalcium reagents in quantitative yields based on the GC analyses of reaction quenches. The 1,2-addition of these arylcalcium compounds with ketones gave the alcohols in excellent yields (76%, 79% and 86%, respectively). The soluble highly reactive calcium readily reacted with fluorobenzene at room temperature to form the corresponding organometalic compound which underwent an addition reaction with cyclohexanone to give 1-phenylcyclohexanol in 85% yield.

1-Octylcyclohexanol (83% yield): IR (neat) 3379, 2929, 2856, 1448, 1259, 968 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.15-1.65 (m, 25 H), 0.88 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 71.4, 42.5, 37.5, 31.9, 30.3, 29.6, 29.3, 25.9, 22.9, 22.7, 22.3, 14.1; MS (EI) m/e (relative intensity) 212 (M⁺, 1.2), 194 (5.8), 183 (1.5), 169 (23.5), 141 (11.4), 127 (10.9), 109 (13.6), 99 (100.0), 81 (67.0); High Resolution Mass Spec. (HRMS) calcd. for C₁₄ H₂₈ O m/e 212.2140, found m/e 212.2137.

1-Phenylcyclohexanol (85% yield): mp 62°-63° C.; IR (KBr) 3336, 3059, 3030, 1444, 1381, 1259, 1134, 1032, 974, 756, 696 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (360 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.20-7.55 (m, 5 H), 1.20-1.92 (m, 11 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 149.4, 128.2, 126.7, 124.6, 73.1, 38.8, 25.5, 22.2.

1-(m-Methylphenyl)cyclohexanol (76% yield): IR (neat) 3406, 3024, 2931, 2856, 1606, 1446, 1259, 1167, 1132, 1036, 972, 783, 704 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.02-7.35 (m, 4 H), 2.36 (s, 3 H), 1.57-1.88 (m, 11 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 149.4, 137.7, 128.1, 127.4, 125.3, 121.6, 73.1, 38.8, 25.5, 22.2, 21.6. Known compound: ¹ H-NMR, see Sadtler 33855.

1-Cyclohexylcyclohexanol (75% yield): IR (KBr) 3469, 2929, 2850, 1446, 1254, 1165, 1132, 960 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.80-1.90 (m, 22 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 73.0, 48.2, 34.3, 26.9, 26.6, 26.5, 26.0, 21.9.

1-(3-Phenoxypropyl)cyclohexanol (75% yield): IR (neat) 3433, 2931, 2858, 1601, 1587, 1496, 1246, 754, 690 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.20-7.32 (m, 2 H), 6.84-6.97 (m, 3 H), 3.96 (t, 2 H, J=6.3 Hz), 1.15-1.95 (m, 15 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 158.9, 129.3, 120.5, 114.5, 71.0, 68.3, 38.6, 37.4, 25.8, 23.0, 22.2; MS (EI) m/e (relative intensity) 234 (M⁺, 1.4), 216 (0.7), 191 (1.2), 141 (52.5), 123 (32.1), 120 (34.7), 99 (42.0), 94 (90.9), 81 (100.0); HRMS calcd. for C₁₅ H₂₂ O₂ m/e 234.1620, found m/e 234.1625. Anal. Calcd.: C, 76.88; H, 9.46. Found: C, 76.57; H, 9.55.

1-(m-Methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol (79% yield): IR (neat) 3437, 2933, 2854, 1601, 1583, 1483, 1448, 1431, 1288, 1265, 1248, 1049, 781, 698 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 6.75-7.31 (m, 4 H), 3.81 (s, 3 H), 1.40-1.90 (m, 11 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 159.6, 151.3, 129.2, 117.0, 111.8, 110.7, 73.1, 55.2, 38.8, 25.5, 22.2.

1-(1-Adamantyl)cyclohexanol (80% yield): mp 166°-168° C.; IR (KBr) 3465, 2931, 2902, 2844, 1448, 1344, 980, 955, 935 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 0.95-2.05 (m, 26 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 74.6, 39.1, 37.3, 35.8, 29.8, 28.7, 26.0, 21.9; MS (EI) m/e (relative intensity) 234 (M⁺, 0.2), 135 (26.0), 98 (100.0); HRMS calcd. for C₁₆ H₂₆ O m/e 234.1984, found m/e 234.1982. Anal. Calcd.: C, 81.99; H, 11.18. Found: C, 82.13; H, 11.41.

EXAMPLE 3 Typical Ketone Formation Reaction Using Organocalcium Cuprate Reagents

The following experimental procedure is representative of the reactions set forth below in Table II. The organocalcium reagent (2.72 mmol) was prepared from p-chlorotoluene (344 mg, 2.72 mmol) and highly reactive calcium (3.15 mmol) as described above. CuCN.2LiBr in THF (10 mL) was added to the organocalcium reagent via a cannula at -35° C. The CuCN.2LiBr can be prepared from CuCN and approximately two equivalents of LiBr in THF, as outlined in P. Knochel et al., J. Org. Chem., 53, 2390 (1989), which is incorporated herein by reference. The reaction mixture was stirred at -35° C. for 30 minutes. Benzoyl chloride (950 mg, 6.76 mmol) was added to the mixture via a disposable syringe at -35° C. and the resulting mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature. Saturated aqueous NH₄ Cl solution (20 mL) was then added to the reaction mixture at room temperature for the purpose of neutralizing the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was then filtered through a small pad of Celite™ filter agent and was washed with Et₂ O (50 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with Et₂ O (2×30 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with H₂ O (3×15 mL) and dried over anhydrous MgSO₄. Removal of solvent and flash-column chromatography on silica gel (100 g, 230-400 mesh, eluted sequentially with 20:1 hexanes/EtOAc, 15:1 hexanes/EtOAc, and 10:1 hexanes/EtOAc) yielded (4-methylphenyl)phenylmethanone (458 mg, 86% yield): IR (neat) 3058, 3027, 2921, 1658, 1606, 1446, 1317, 1278, 1178, 937, 924, 835, 787, 730, 700 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.24-7.82 (m, 9 H), 2.43 (s, 3 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 196.4, 143.2, 137.9, 134.8, 132.1, 130.3, 129.9 128.9, 128.2, 21.6.

                                      TABLE III                                    __________________________________________________________________________     Conjugate 1,4-Addition Reactions of Calcium                                    Organocuprate Reagents with Enones                                             Entry                                                                              Halide     Cu(I) salt     Enone     Product.sup.a     %                    __________________________________________________________________________                                                               Yield.sup.b          1   Cl(CH.sub.2).sub.7 CH.sub.3                                                               CuCN.2LiBr                                                                                     ##STR3##                                                                                 ##STR4##         46                   2   Cl(CH.sub.2).sub.7 CH.sub.3                                                                ##STR5##                                                                                      ##STR6##                                                                                 ##STR7##         87                   3   Cl(CH.sub.2).sub.7 CH.sub.3                                                                ##STR8##                                                                                      ##STR9## EtC(O)CH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.3)(CH.sub                                             .2).sub.7 CH.sub.3                                                                               47                   4   Cl(CH.sub.2).sub.7 CH.sub.3                                                                ##STR10##                                                                                     ##STR11##                                                                                ##STR12##        <3                   5   Cl(CH.sub.2).sub.7 CH.sub.3                                                                ##STR13##                                                                                     ##STR14##                                                                                ##STR15##        84                        ##STR16##                                                                                 ##STR17##                                                                                     ##STR18##                                                                                ##STR19##        68                   __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.a Most products were compared with authentic samples. The new             substance, 3(p-methylphenyl)cyclohexanone, has satisfactory IR, .sup.1 H       NMR, .sup.13 C NMR, and highresolution mass spectral data.                     .sup.b Isolated yields.                                                  

A soluble copper(I) complex, CuCN.2LiBr was used for the reactions with organocalcium reagents to form the copper calcium complexes, i.e., the organocalcium cuprate reagents. The CuCN.2LiBr can be prepared from CuCN and LiBr in THF, as outlined in P. Knochel et al., J. Org. Chem., 53, 2390 (1988), which is incorporated herein by reference. Reaction of these organocalcium cuprate reagents with benzoyl chloride proceeded smoothly at -35° C. to yield ketones in excellent yields. As shown in Table II, the primary alkylcalcium cuprates, n-octyl and (5-phenoxypentyl)calcium cuprate, reacted rapidly with benzoyl chloride at -35° C. to give 1-phenyl-1-nonanone and 1-phenyl-6-phenoxy-1-hexanone in 84% and 76% yield, respectively. The secondary alkylcalcium cuprate, cyclohexyl calcium cuprate, reacted smoothly with benzoyl chloride to form cyclohexylphenylmethanone in 82% yield. The tertiary alkylcalcium cuprite is also expected to undergo this transformation. In the aryl cases, 4-methylphenyl and 4-methoxyphenyl cuprate, for example, also reacted with benzoyl chloride to afford (4-methylphenyl)phenylmethanone and (4-methoxyphenyl)phenylmethanone in 86% and 71% yield, respectively.

(4-Methoxyphenyl)phenylmethanone (71% yield): mp 60°-61° C.; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.42-7.87 (m, 7 H), 6.92-7.01 (m, 2 H), 3.89 (s, 3 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 195.4, 163.2, 138.3, 132.5, 131.9, 130.2, 129.7, 128.2, 113.5, 55.5.

1-Phenyl-1-nonanone (84% yield): ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.90-8.02 (m, 2 H), 7.38-7.62 m, 3 H), 2.96 (t, J =7.4 Hz, 2 H), 1.14-1.74 (m, 12 H), 0.88 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 3 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 200.5, 137.2, 132.7, 128.5, 128.0, 38.6, 31.8, 29.4, 29.4, 29.1, 24 4, 22.6, 14.0.

1-Phenyl-6-phenoxy-1-hexanone (76% yield): mp 53.5°-54.5° C.; IR (KBr) 3059, 2941, 2900, 2869, 1678, 1599, 1498, 1475, 1244, 752, 729, 687 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.92-8.00 (m, 2 H), 7.19-7.60 (m, 5 H), 6.84-6.98 (m, 3 H), 3.97 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.00 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2 H), 1.48-1.93 (m, 6 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 200.2, 159.0, 137.0, 132.9, 129.4, 128.5, 128.0, 120.5, 114.4, 67.5, 38.4, 29.2, 25.8, 24.0; MS (EI) m/e (relative intensity) 268 (M⁺, 3.2), 175 (45.3), 105 (100.0), 94 (20.3), 77 (30.0); HRMS calcd. for C₁₈ H₂₀ O₂ m/e 268.1463, found m/e 268.1459. Anal. Calcd.: C, 80.56; H, 7.51. Found: C, 80.63; H, 7.69.

Cyclohexylphenylmethanone (82% yield): mp 54°-56° C.; IR (KBr) 2927, 2850, 1668, 1595, 1577, 1444, 1252, 1209, 974, 703 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.90-8.00 (m, 2 H), 7.38-7.60 (m, 3 H), 3.16-3.35 (m, 1 H), 1.14-1.97 (m, 10 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 203.8, 136.3, 132.7, 128.5, 128.2, 45.6, 29.4, 25.9, 25.8. The spectral data are identical to the authentic sample. Commercially available compound from Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, Wis., has mp=55°-57° C.

EXAMPLE 4 Conjugate 1,4-Addition Reactions Using Organocalcium Cuprate Reagents

The following experimental procedure is representative of the reactions set forth below in Table III. The organocalcium reagent (2.66 mmol) was prepared from 1-chlorooctane (395 mg, 2.66 mmol) and highly reactive calcium (3.10 mmol) as described above. An organocalcium cuprate reagent was prepared by adding lithium 2-thienylcyanocuprate (Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, Wis., 0.25M in THF, 14 mL, 3.50 mmol) to the calcium reagent via a syringe at -50° C. The reaction mixture was gradually warmed to -35° C. over a 30 minute period. The reaction mixture was cooled to -50° C. and 2-cyclohexen-1-one (210 mg, 2.18 mmol) was added via a disposable syringe. The resulting mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature. Saturated aqueous NH₄ Cl solution (20 mL) was added at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then filtered through a small pad of Celite™ filter agent and was washed with Et₂ O (50 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with Et₂ O (2×30 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with H₂ O (3×15 mL) and dried over anhydrous MgSO₄. Removal of solvent and flash-column chromatography on silica gel (70 g, 230-400 mesh, eluted sequentially with 50:1 hexanes/EtOAc and 10:1 hexanes/EtOAc) gave 3-octylcyclohexanone (401 mg, 87% yield): IR (neat) 2954, 2925, 2854, 1714, 1458, 1225 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.10-2.50 (m, 23 H), 0.88 t, J=6.4 Hz, 3 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 212.0, 48.2, 41.5, 39.1, 36.6, 31.8, 31.3, 29.7, 29.5, 29.2, 26.6, 25.3, 22.6, 14.1.

                  TABLE II                                                         ______________________________________                                         Cross-Coupling Reactions of Organocalcium Cuprate                              Reagents with Benzoyl Chloride.sup.a                                           Entry  Halide       Product.sup.b   % Yield.sup.c                              ______________________________________                                         1      Cl(CH.sub.2).sub.7 CH.sub.3                                                                 PhC(O)(CH.sub.2).sub.7 CH.sub.3                                                                84                                         2      Br(CH.sub.2).sub.5 OPh                                                                      PhC(O)(CH.sub.2).sub.5 OPh                                                                     76                                         3      Br-c-C.sub.6 H.sub.11                                                                       PhC(O)-c-C.sub.6 H.sub.11                                                                      82                                         4      1-Cl-4-CH.sub.3 C.sub.6 H.sub.4                                                             1-PhC(O)-4-CH.sub.3 C.sub.6 H.sub.4                                                            86                                         5      1-Br-4-OCH.sub.3 C.sub.6 H.sub.4                                                            1-PhC(O)-4-OCH.sub.3 C.sub.6 H.sub.4                                                           71                                         ______________________________________                                          .sup.a Active calcium was prepared by the lithium biphenylide reduction o      CaBr.sub.2 in THF. CuCN.2LiBr was used for reaction with organocalcium         reagents.                                                                      .sup.b Most products were compared with authentic samples. The new             substance, 1phenyl-6-phenoxy-1-hexanone, has satisfactory IR, .sup.1 H         NMR, .sup.13 C NMR, and highresolution mass spectral data.                     .sup.c Isolated yields.                                                  

The organocalcium cuprate reagents of the present invention undergo conjugate 1,4-addition reactions with α,β-unsaturated ketones. n-Octyl calcium cuprate, generated by reaction of the n-octanocalcium compound with CuCN.2LiBr, reacted with 2-cyclohexenone to give 3-octylcyclohexanone in moderate yield (46% yield). However, a more reactive calcium cuprate species was produced and the yield was greatly improved to 87% when lithium 2-thienylcyanocuprate (available from Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.) was used. This organocalcium cuprate reagent also underwent the conjugate addition with acyclic enones, e.g., 2-hexen-4-one, to give 5-methyl-3-tridecanone in 47% yield; however, further optimization of the yield is possible. Reaction of this organocalcium cuprate reagent with a sterically hindered enone, for example isophorone, produced less than 3% of the desired compound in 24 hours. The isolated yield, however, increased to 84% when the additives BF₃ etherate and chlorotrimethylsilane (TMSCl) were used. In the aryl case, p-tolyl calcium cuprate also underwent this transformation with 2-cyclohexanone to give 3-(p-methylphenyl)cyclohexanone in reasonable yield.

5-Methyl-3-tridecanone (46% yield): IR (neat) 2958, 2927, 2856, 1718, 1460, 1414, 1376 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 1.90-2.47 (m, 5 H), 1.10-1.40 m, 14 H), 1.04 (t, J =7.3 Hz, 3 H), 0.88 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 3 H), 0.88 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 211.6, 49.9, 37.0, 36.4, 31.8, 29.7, 29.6, 29.3, 29.3, 26.9, 22.6, 19.8, 14.0, 7.7.

3-(p-methylphenyl)cyclohexanone (68% yield): IR (neat) 3020, 2935, 2864, 1712, 1516, 1446, 1421, 1313, 1248, 1223, 806 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.01-7.32 (m, 4 H), 2.88-3.06 (m, 1 H), 2.32 (s, 3 H), 1.66-2.67 (m, 8 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 210.9, 141.4, 136.1, 129.3, 126.4, 49.0, 44.3, 41.1, 32.8, 25.5, 20.9; Electron Impact MS (EI) m/e (relative intensity) 188 (M⁺, 60.8), 173 (4.4), 145 (19.8), 131 (100.0), 118 (31.1), 105 (14.9), 91 (13.5); HRMS calcd. for C₁₃ H₁₆ O m/e 188.1201, found m/e 188.1209. Anal. Calcd.: C, 82.94; H, 8.57. Found: C, 82.83; H, 8.60.

3,5,5-Trimethyl-3-octylcyclohexanone (84% yield): IR (neat) 2954, 2927, 2856, 1714, 1466, 1281, 1226 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 2.04-2.24 (m, 4 H), 1.63 (d, J=14.2 Hz, 1 H), 1.49 (d, J=14.2 Hz, 1 ), 1.16-1.38 (m, 14 H), 1.05 (s, 3 H), 1.04 (s, 3 H), 0.99 (s, 3 H), 0.88 (t, J =6.5 Hz, 3 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 212.5, 54.3, 53.2, 49.0, 44.8, 38.7, 36.0, 32.2, 31.8, 30.7, 30.3, 29.5, 29.3, 27.5, 23.7, 22.6, 14.1. Anal. Calcd. for C₁₇ H₃₂ O: C, 80.89; H, 12.78. Found: C, 80.50; H, 12.80.

EXAMPLE 5 Reaction of the Highly Reactive Calcium Species with 1,3-Dienes

The following experimental procedure is representative of the reactions set forth below in Table IV. Highly reactive calcium (5.02 mmol) was prepared from CaI₂ (5.02 mmol) and lithium biphenylide (10.30 mmol) in THF (20 mL) as described above. To this highly reactive calcium solution, trans,trans-1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene (0.863 g, 4.18 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added at room temperature to form an organocalcium reagent. (An internal standard n-dodecane was added with starting material for the GC analyses in the cases of 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene.) After being stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes, the reaction mixture of the organocalcium reagent was cooled to -78° C. and excess 1,3-dibromopropane (1.020 g, 5.05 mmol) was added via a disposable syringe at -78° C. The reaction was monitored by GC (OV-17 column). (In the cases of 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, GC yields were reported based on the analyses of reaction quenches by an OV-17 column.) The reaction mixture was gradually warmed to -60° C. and stirred at -60° C. for 1 hour. Saturated aqueous NH₄ Cl solution (20 mL) was then added at -40° C. The reaction mixture was filtered through a small pad of Celite™ filter agent and was washed with Et₂ O (30 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with Et₂ O (2×30 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with H₂ O and brine and dried over anhydrous MgSO₄. Removal of solvent and flash-column chromatography on silica gel (200 g, 230-400 mesh, eluted sequentially with hexanes and 1% Et₂ O/hexanes) afforded trans-(1-phenyl)-2-(trans-β-styrenyl)cyclopentane (940 mg, 91% yield): IR (neat) 3080, 3059, 3024, 2952, 2868, 1599, 1495, 1448, 964, 744, 694 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.01-7.33 (m, 10 H), 6.06-6.27 (m, 2 H), 2.57-2.88 (m, 2 H), 1.99-2.66 (m, 2 H), 1.55-1.95 (m, 4 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 144.5, 137.4, 133.5, 129.2, 128.4, 128.2, 127.5, 126.7, 126.0, 125.9, 52.7, 51.6, 35.0, 33.2, 24.2. Anal. Calcd. for C₁₉ H₂₀ : C, 91.88; H, 8.12. Found: C, 91.87; H, 8.22.

                                      TABLE IV                                     __________________________________________________________________________     Reactions of 1,3-Diene/Calcium Complex with Organic Dihalides.sup.a            Entry                                                                              Diene      Li/Ar                                                                               CaX.sub.2                                                                          Electrophile                                                                          Product.sup.b                                                                             % Yield.sup.c                        __________________________________________________________________________          ##STR20## Li/Biph                                                                             CaI.sub.2                                                                          Br(CH.sub.2).sub.3 Br                                                                  ##STR21## 91.sup.                              2                                                                                   ##STR22## Li/Np                                                                               --  Br(CH.sub.2).sub.3 Br                                                                  ##STR23## 51.sup.d                             3                                                                                   ##STR24## Li/--                                                                               CaI.sub.2                                                                          Br(CH.sub.2).sub.3 Br                                                                  ##STR25## 74.sup.e                             4                                                                                   ##STR26## Li/Biph                                                                             CaI.sub.2                                                                          Br(CH.sub.2).sub.4 Br                                                                  ##STR27## 53.sup.                              5                                                                                   ##STR28## Li/Biph                                                                             CaI.sub.2                                                                          Br(CH.sub.2).sub.2 Br                                                                  ##STR29##  7.sup.f                             6                                                                                   ##STR30## Li/Biph                                                                             CaI.sub.2                                                                          Cl(CH.sub.2).sub.2 Cl                                                                  ##STR31## 80.sup.g                             7                                                                                   ##STR32## Li/Biph                                                                             CaI.sub.2                                                                          ClCH.sub.2 Cl                                                                          ##STR33## 47.sup.h                             8                                                                                   ##STR34## Li/Biph                                                                             CaI.sub.2                                                                          (CH.sub.3).sub.2 SiCl.sub.2                                                            ##STR35## --.sup.i                             9                                                                                   ##STR36## Li/Biph                                                                             CaI.sub.2                                                                          Cl(CH.sub.2).sub.3 Cl                                                                  ##STR37## (98).sup.j                           10                                                                                  ##STR38## Li/Biph                                                                             --  Cl(CH.sub.2).sub.3 Cl                                                                  ##STR39## (25)                                 11                                                                                  ##STR40## Li/Biph                                                                             CaI.sub.2                                                                          Cl(CH.sub.2).sub.4 Cl                                                                  ##STR41## (36).sup.j                           12                                                                                  ##STR42## Li/Biph                                                                             CaI.sub.2                                                                          Br(CH.sub.2).sub.4 Br                                                                  ##STR43## (54).sup.j                           13                                                                                  ##STR44## Li/Biph                                                                             CaI.sub.2                                                                          Ph.sub.2 SiCl.sub.2                                                                    ##STR45## (89).sup.k                           __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.a The active calcium was prepared from 2.05 equivalents of preformed      lithium biphenylide and 1.0 equivalent of CaI.sub.2.                           .sup.b The known products were compared with the authentic sample. All ne      substances have satisfactory spectroscopic data including IR, .sup.1 H         NMR, .sup.13 C NMR, and highresolution mass spectral data.                     .sup.c Isolated yields. GC yields are given in parentheses.                    .sup.d 31% starting material was recovered.                                    .sup.e No starting material was recovered.                                     .sup.f 72% starting material was recovered.                                    .sup.g 8% starting material was recovered.                                     .sup.h 43% starting material was recovered.                                    .sup.i Isolation was difficult because of overlapping with biphenyl.           .sup.j Product was isolated by distillation.                                   .sup.k Product was isolated by reversephase thinlayer chromatography.    

The reactivity of the calcium metallocycles was significant with excellent chemical yields. For example, 1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene/calcium complex reacted rapidly with 1,3-dibromopropane and 1,4-dibromobutane to form trans-1-phenyl-2-trans-β-styrenylcyclopentane and trans-1-phenyl-2-trans-β-styrenylcyclohexane in 91% and 53% isolated yield, respectively. The stereochemistry of these reactions was always stereospecific.

Reaction of (1,4-diphenyl-2-butene-1,4-diyl)calcium complexes with α,ω-alkylene dihalides usually gave 1,2-addition products while 1,4-addition was always observed in reactions with dichlorosilane. Treatment of (1,4-diphenyl-2-butene-1,4-diyl)calcium complex with 1,2-dibromoethane yielded 7% of the 1,4-addition product, cis-3,6-diphenylcyclohexene, along with 72% of the starting material. The stereochemistry of 3,6-diphenylcyclohex-1-ene was identified by converting the cyclohexene to 1,2-cyclohexanediol via the epoxide (see Example 6 for details). In sum, treatment of 3,6-diphenylcyclohex-1-ene with m-chloroperbenzoic acid in the presence of K₂ CO₃ in CH₂ Cl₂ gave only a single product in 60% yield along with 20% of recovered starting material. The fully decoupled ¹³ C-NMR spectrum gave only seven peaks which unambiguously proved that two phenyl groups were in cis geometry. Reaction of the epoxide with 6% HClO₄ in acetone yielded 1,4-diphenylcyclohexan-2,3-diol in 93% yield. The proton spin-spin coupling constants further verified that the two phenyl groups were cis (see Example 6).

The yield of the 6-membered ring product was increased to 80% and the amount of recovered starting material dropped to 8% when 1,2-dichloroethane was used (entry 6, Table IV). The higher reduction potential of 1,2-dichloroethane presumably eliminated most of the simple electron transfer pathway. Interestingly, reaction of this calcium complex with dichloromethane afforded only the 1,2-addition product, trans-1-phenyl-2-trans-β-styrenylcyclopropane in 47% yield (entry 7, Table IV) along with 43% of 1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene.

Reduction of 1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene with 2.2 equivalents of preformed lithium naphthalenide without the presence of Ca(II) salt, followed the addition of 1,3-dibromopropane, also yielded the same cyclopentane derivative, but the yield was substantially lower than that obtained in the presence of calcium salts. Also of note is the fact that in the absence of calcium salts over 30% of the starting material was recovered. A similar result was also noted in the nonactivated diene system. The yield dramatically decreased from 98% to 25% in the similar experiments using 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene with 1,3-dichloropropane. Thus, the observed chemistry is dramatically different when the calcium salts are present.

Direct reduction of the 1,3-dienes with lithium metal in the absence of electron carriers was also carried out. Reduction of 1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene with 2.5 equivalents of lithium metal in THF, followed by the sequential addition of 2.0 equivalents of CaI₂ and 1,3-dibromopropane, yielded the same 5-membered ring product in 74% yield along with a small amount of unidentified high molecular weight material. Significantly, no starting material was found in the reaction workup. This shows that the involvement of calcium ions is significant.

This chemistry can also be extended to 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, which is a molecule which is much more difficult to reduce. The calcium complex was readily prepared by reacting freshly distilled 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene with either the biphenylide complex or the calcium naphthalenide complex. Reaction of the resulting complex with 1,3-dichloropropane and 1,4-dichlorobutane gave the 5-membered ring product and 6-membered ring product in 94% and 36% yield, respectively. For the latter reaction, the yield was improved to 54% when 1,4-dibromobutane was used. Similarly, treatment of (2,3-dimethyl-2-butene-1,4-diyl)calcium complex with dichlorodiphenylsilane yielded the 1,4-addition adduct in 89% yield.

trans-(1-Phenyl)-2-(trans-β-styrenyl)cyclohexane (53% yield): IR (neat) 3082, 3059, 3026, 2924, 2850, 1601, 1495, 1446, 962, 744, 698 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.02-7.30 (m, 10 H), 6.11 (d, J=15.9 Hz, 1 H), 5.82-5.98 (m, 1 H), 2.28-2.47 (m, 2 H), 1.25-2.02 (m, 8 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 146.0, 138.0, 135.0, 128.8, 128.3, 128.2, 127.6, 126.6, 125.9 (2C), 50.6, 46.4, 35 4, 33.3, 26.7, 26.1. Anal. Calcd. for C₂₀ H₂₂ : C, 91.55; H, 8.45. Found: C, 91.37; H, 8.10.

cis-3,6-Diphenyl-1-cyclohexene (80% yield): IR (neat) 3080, 3059, 3024, 2931, 2856, 1601, 1493, 1450, 754, 698 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.16-7.36 (m, 10 H), 5.98 (d, J=1.3 Hz, 2 H), 3.45-3.55 (m, 2 H), 1.87-2.07 (m, 2 H), 1.60-1.79 (m, 2 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 145.9, 131.1, 128.3, 127.9, 126.1, 41.2, 29.3 cm⁻¹ ; MS (EI) m/e (relative intensity) 234 (M⁺, 15.4), 206 (2.7), 143 (10.8), 130 (100.0), 115 (25.3), 104 (24.8), 91 (21.1), 77 (6.3); HRMS calcd. for C₁₈ H₁₈ m/e 234.1409, found m/e 234.1409.

trans-(1-Phenyl)-2-(trans-β-styrenyl)cyclopropane (47% yield): IR (neat) 3080, 3059, 3024, 2966, 2929, 1647, 1605, 1496, 1460, 1448, 958, 750, 739, 694 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.04-7.35 (m, 10 H), 6.47 (d, J=15.8 Hz, 1 H), 5.90 (dd, J=15.8, 8.6 Hz, 1 H), 2.03 (ddd, J=8.8, 5.5, 4.3 Hz, 1 H), 1.82 (ddt, J=8.6, 5.6, 4.3 Hz, 1 H), 1.31 (dt, J=8.5, 5.4 Hz, 1 H), 1.21 (dt, J=8.8, 5.4 Hz, 1 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 142.1, 137.5, 132.8, 128.5 (2C), 128.4, 128.2, 126.8, 125.7 (2C), 27.4, 25.7, 17.1 cm⁻¹ ; MS (EI) m/e (relative intensity) 220 (M⁺, 30.6), 142 (8.0), 129 (100.0), 115 (25.1), 103 (3.6), 91 (28.8), 77 (9.5); HRMS calcd. for C₁₇ H₁₆ m/e 220.1252, found m/e 220.1252.

cis-1,1-Dimethyl-2,5-diphenylsilacyclopent-3-ene: IR (neat) 3078, 3059, 3020, 2954, 2895, 2850, 1599, 1495, 1250, 1061, 858, 802, 746, 698 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.00-7.30 (m, 10 H), 6.11 (s, 2 H), 3.27 (s, 2 H), 0.39 (s, 3 H), -0.67 (s, 3 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 143.4, 135.0, 128.3, 126.4, 124.3, 39.9, -2.8, -6.8.

1,1-Diphenyl-3,4-dimethylsilacyclopent-3-ene (89% GC yield): IR (neat) 3066, 3049, 2976, 2906, 2871, 1427, 1174, 1117, 773, 731, 698 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.27-7.62 (m, 10 H), 1.87 (s, 2 H), 1.77 (s, 3 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 136.4, 134.7, 130.7, 129.3, 127.8, 24.2, 19.3.

1-Methyl-1-(2-propenyl)cyclopentane (94% GC yield): IR (neat) 2958, 2871, 1639, 1452, 1369, 889 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.65-4.73 (m, 2H), 1.76 (dd, J=1.3, 0.7 Hz, 3H), 1.35-1.73 (m, 8H), 1.05 (s, 3H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 153.3, 107.6, 48.0, 37.7, 26.0, 23.7, 20.2.

1-Methyl-1-(2-propenyl)cyclohexane (54% GC yield): ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.72-4.82 (m, 2H), 1.71 (dd, J=1.4, 0.7 Hz, 3H), 1.20-1.75 (m, 10H), 0.98 (s, 3H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 152.6, 109.1, 38.8, 36.4, 27.1, 26.4, 22.6, 19.5.

EXAMPLE 6 Synthesis of 1,2-Epoxy-3,6-diphenylcyclohexane and 3,6-Diphenylcyclohexan-1,2-diol

1,2-Epoxy-3,6-diphenylcyclohexane: 3,6-Diphenylcyclohex-1-ene (50 mg, 0.21 mmol), m-chloroperbenzoic acid (55%, 200 mg, 0.64 mmol), and K₂ CO₃ (150 mg, 1.09 mmol) were stirred in CH₂ Cl₂ (10 mL) for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered and washed with CH₂ Cl₂ (40 mL). The filtrate and aqueous Na₂ S₂ O₃ solution (10%, 10 mL) were stirred for 2 hours. The organic phase was washed with saturated NaHCO₃ solution and H₂ O and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Preparative thin-layer chromatography (silica gel, 2 mm, developed with 10:1 hexane/EtOAc) gave 1,2-epoxy-3,6-diphenylcyclohexane (32 mg, 60% yield) as a colorless oil along with recovery of starting material (10 mg, 20%). 1,2-Epoxy-3,6-diphenylcyclohexane: ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.20-7.45 (m, 10 H), 3.45 (s, 2 H), 3.37 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2 H), 1.67-1.88 (m, 2 H), 1.37-1.58 (m, 2 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz), 143.2, 128.6, 128.0, 126.5, 56.2, 39.9, 25.0.

3,6-Diphenylcyclohexan-1,2-diol: 1,2-Epoxy-3,6-diphenylcyclohexane (32 mg, 0.13 mmol) was dissolved in acetone (10 mL). HClO₄ (6%, 10 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The reaction solution was neutralized with Na₂ CO₃ and the reaction mixture was reduced to approximately half volume under reduced pressure. Extraction with CH₂ Cl₂ and removal of the solvent yielded crude product (93% yield) as a white solid. Based upon the analyses of NMR spectra of crude and recrystallized product, reaction gave a single product. Recrystallization from hexane/CH₂ Cl₂ gave pure product as a white crystalline solid: mp 134°-135° C.; IR (KBr) 3303, 3086, 3059, 3026, 2935, 2858, 1603, 1495, 1454, 1041, 760, 698 cm⁻¹ ; ¹ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.20-7.60 (m, 10 H), 4.08 (t, J=9.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.95 (dd, J= 9.5, 5.5 Hz, 1 H), 3.56 (m, 1 H), 2.67 (ddd, J=11.7, 9.9, 4.3 Hz, 1 H), 1.65-2.39 (m, 6 H); ¹³ C NMR (50 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 142.3, 140.8, 129.7, 128.8, 128.4, 127.8, 126.9, 126.5, 76.8, 74.6, 50.6, 44.7, 29.9, 29.2; MS (EI) m/e (relative intensity) 268 (M⁺, 61.9), 250 (12.9), 237 (11.5), 219 (7.3), 146 (30.1), 131 (94.9), 117 55.4), 104 (100.0), 91 (73.6), 77 (15.3); HRMS calcd. for C₁₈ H₂₀ O₂ m/e 268.1463, found m/e 268.1464.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of Polymeric Compounds From Organocalcium Dihalides

Poly(paraphenylene ketone): Highly reactive calcium (4.00 mmol), prepared from lithium biphenylide (8.36 mmol) and CaI₂ (4.00 mmol) in THF (30 mL), was cooled to -78° C. This solution was added dropwise via cannula into a solution of 1,4-dibromobenzene (2.01 mmol) at -78° C. over a period of 1 hour. The reaction mixture was added to terephthaloyl chloride (2.01 mmol) in THF (10 mL) at -78° C. and stirred for 30 minutes. It was allowed to warm to room temperature and then refluxed for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature and 10% HCl (10 mL) was added with stirring. The mixture was stirred for an additional 30 minutes, and then added to methanol (200 mL). The solid was filtered and washed several times with 200 mL portions of methanol and 10% HCl. The solid was dried under vacuum at 100° C. for 24 hours. A brown powder (0.3865 g, 93% yield) of --(--C₆ H₄ C(O)--)_(n) -- resulted. FTIR (diffuse reflectance): observed an intense peak at 1665 cm⁻¹ for carbonyl (C═O).

Poly(paraphenylene): Highly reactive calcium (4.61 mmol), prepared from lithium biphenylide (9.36 mmol) and CaI₂ (4.61 mmol) in THF (30 mL), was cooled to -78° C. This solution was added dropwise via cannula into a solution of 1,4-dibromobenzene (4.62 mmol) at -78° C. over a period of 20 minutes. The solution was stirred for an additional 80 minutes at -78° C., and then it was allowed to warm to room temperature over the course of 20 minutes. A solution of NiCl₂ (0.077 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added to the reaction mixture, and then refluxed for 4 hours. The solution became dark gray in color, 10% HCl (10 mL) was added, and then this was added to methanol (300 mL). A solid was filtered from the reaction mixture and washed with 500 mL portions of methanol and 10% HCl. The solid was dried under vacuum at 80° C. for 30 hours. A light yellow powder (0 1622 g, 42% yield) of --(--C₆ H₄ --)_(n) -- resulted. FTIR (diffuse reflectance): observed peaks at 808 cm⁻¹ for para-substituted benzene, 1075 cm⁻¹ for aryl C--Br, and at 692 and 764 cm⁻¹ for aryl C--H. Elemental Analysis: Found: C=87.44, H=5.30, Br=3.70. Calcd. for n=13 chain length, C=87.55, H=4.96, Br=7.48.

Poly(2,5-thienylene): Highly reactive calcium (3.98 mmol), prepared from lithium biphenylide (8.17 mmol) and CaI₂ (3.98 mmol) in THF (15 mL), was cooled to -78° C. This solution was added dropwise via cannula into a solution of 2,5-dibromothiophene (4.04 mmol) at -78° C. over a period of 30 minutes. Upon the addition of the 2.5-dibromothiophene, the color changed from a dark color to a gray color. The solution was allowed to warm to room temperature over the course of 30 minutes. A solution of NiCl₂ (0.015 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added to the reaction mixture, and then refluxed for 15 hours. The solution became dark brown in color 10 minutes after the addition of the NiCl₂. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature and was added to a mixture of 10% HCl (200 mL) and methanol (200 mL). This produced a dark brown precipitate. A solid was filtered from the reaction mixture and washed with 200 mL portions of methanol and 10% HCl. The solid was dried under vacuum at 80° C. for 20 hours. A dark brown powder (0.1182 g, 36% yield) resulted. The product is soluble in THF and acetone, and insoluble in methanol and 10% HCl. FTIR (diffuse reflectance): observed an intense peak at 790 cm⁻¹ for C--H out-of-plane vibration for disubstituted thiophene. The peak for C--Br at 980 cm⁻¹ was absent.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clarity of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. The invention is not limited to the exact details shown and described, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A soluble calcium species comprising formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms and a solubilizing agent in an ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvent.
 2. The soluble calcium species of claim 1 wherein the solvent is an ethereal or polyethereal solvent.
 3. The soluble calcium species of claim 2 wherein the solvent is tetrahydrofuran.
 4. The soluble calcium species of claim 1 wherein the solubilizing agent is capable of substantially completely solubilizing the zerovalent calcium metal atoms.
 5. The soluble calcium species of claim 4 wherein the solubilizing agent is a polyene.
 6. The soluble calcium species of claim 5 wherein the solubilizing agent is an arene.
 7. The soluble calcium species of claim 6 wherein the arene is an aromatic electron transfer compound.
 8. The soluble calcium species of claim 7 wherein the aromatic electron transfer compound is selected from the group consisting of biphenyl, naphthalene, and anthracene.
 9. The soluble calcium species of claim 8 wherein the solubilizing agent is biphenyl.
 10. The soluble calcium species of claim 1 characterized in that the formally zerovalent calcium atoms react with tertiary alkyl halides to produce tertiary alkylcalcium halides in greater than about 50% yield.
 11. The soluble calcium species of claim 1 characterized in that the formally zerovalent calcium atoms react with 1,3-dienes.
 12. The soluble calcium species of claim 1 further comprising an alkali metal salt.
 13. A method for preparation of a soluble calcium species comprising contacting a calcium(II) salt in an ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvent with a solubilized reducing agent having a reduction potential of about -1.5 volts, or more negative, to form a soluble calcium species comprising formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the calcium(II) salt comprises a soluble salt with a counterion selected from the group consisting of sulfate, nitrate, nitrite, cyanide, and halide.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the calcium(II) counterion is a halide.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the halide is bromide or iodide.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein the reducing agent is an alkali metal arene salt.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the alkali metal arene salt comprises an anion of naphthalene, anthracene, or biphenyl.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the reducing agent is preformed lithium biphenylide.
 20. The method of claim 13 wherein the solvent is an ethereal or polyethereal solvent.
 21. A method for preparation of an organocalcium compound comprising:(a) contacting a calcium(II) salt with a solubilized reducing agent having a reduction potential of about -1.5 volts or more negative to form a soluble calcium species comprising formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms; and (b) contacting the soluble calcium species comprising formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms with an aliphatic, aryl, heterocyclic, arylalkyl, or polymeric organic compound to form an organocalcium compound.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the organic compound comprises an alkyl, cycloalkyl, vinyl, allyl, phenyl, benzyl, pyridyl, quinolinyl, piperadinyl, cytosinyl, uracinyl, guaninyl, adenosinyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, or phenyl alkyl, a hydrocarbon-substituted derivative of any of the foregoing groups, or a functionalized derivative of any of the foregoing groups of the hydrocarbon-substituted derivatives.
 23. An organocalcium compound comprising an aliphatic, aryl, heterocyclic, arylalkyl or polymeric radical complexed with calcium atoms; wherein the calcium atoms are derived from a soluble calcium species comprising formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms and a solubilizing agent in an ethereal, polyethereal, or hydrocarbon solvent.
 24. The organocalcium compound of claim 23 further comprising an alkali metal salt.
 25. An organocalcium cuprate complex comprising an aliphatic, aryl, heterocyclic, arylakyl, or polymeric radical complexed with calcium atoms and copper atoms.
 26. The organocalcium cuprate complex of claim 25 wherein the calcium atoms are derived from a soluble calcium species comprising formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms and a solubilizing agent in an ethereal, polyethereal, of hydrocarbon solvent.
 27. The organocalcium cuprate complex of claim 25 wherein the copper atoms are derived from a copper(I) salt.
 28. A method for preparation of an organocalcium cuprite complex comprising:(a) contacting a calcium(II) salt with a solubilized reducing agent having a reduction potential of about -1.5 volts or more negative to form a soluble calcium species comprising formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms; (b) contacting the soluble calcium species with an aliphatic, aryl, heterocyclic, arylalkyl, or polymeric organic compound to form an organocalcium compound; and (c) contacting the organocalcium compound with a copper(I) salt to form an organocalcium cuprate complex.
 29. A zerovalent calcium species comprising formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms and an arene.
 30. The zerovalent calcium species of claim 29 wherein the arene is an aromatic electron transfer compound.
 31. The zerovalent calcium species of claim 30 wherein the aromatic electron transfer compound is selected from the group consisting of biphenyl, naphthalene, and anthracene.
 32. A soluble calcium species comprising formally zerovalent calcium metal atoms prepared by the reaction of a calcium(II) salt with a solubilized reducing agent having a reduction potential of about -1.5 volts in a solvent selected from the group consisting of an ether, a polyether, or a hydrocarbon.
 33. An organocalcium cuprate complex prepared by the method of claim
 28. 